Thursday, May 3, 2012

Chemical Peels 101

It is an application of an acid to the skin to achieve a controlled burn to the top layers of the skin.

It is an non-invasive procedure designed to promote cell growth and produce smoother, clearer skin.

How can Chemical Peel help?

1) Minimize fine and coarse skin lines resulted from skin damage.

2) Treat Acne (Pimples) especially those with blackheads and whiteheads.

3) Remove mild acne scars

4) Remove some pigmentary disorders such as Melasma

Types of Chemical Peels – depends on the Type and Concentration of Acids

1) Superficial Peels are produced using Alphahydroxy acids (AHA) – Glycolic, Latic and Fruit Acids. AHA Peels are used to treat rough, dry skins and to improve skin texture. These can be mixed with bleaching agent to correct uneven pigmentation.

2) Medium Peels are often done using Trichloroacetic acids (TCA). TCA are usually used to treat fine wrinkles and superficial blemishes.

3) Deep Peels are produced during carbonic acid (Phenol). This is used to treat coarse wrinkles, blotches caused by the sun, birth control pills, ageing or precancerous growths. It is almost always used on the face as it may cause scarring on the neck or other areas of the body.

What are the things to prepare for the Chemical Peel?

Depending on individual skin condition, your doctor may prescribe you Rectin A – a prescriptive medication derived from Vitamin A. This can be used as a pre-treatment as this thins out the skin’s surface layer, allowing the peel to penetrate more deeply and evenly to get a more effective result.

What do I expect during and after a Chemical Peel?

When the Chemical Peel is applied to the skin, you may feel a burning sensation for a few minutes.

For AHA Peels, there may be a transient pink discoloration which quickly returns to normal skin tone.

Occasionally, very slight flaking at some localized areas happens.

For TCA and Phenol peels, the skin may turn brown, dry, flake and peel for a few days. Usually it would take 3-5 days for the skin to peel off. Please do take leave during this period of time.

As this is an outpatient procedure, there is not much downtime involved except for the skin peeling the next few days for TCA and Phenol Peels. For AHA peels, you can return to work almost immediately.

Things to Note after a Chemical Peel?

1) Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser daily

2) You may have to use a moisturizer prescribed by your doctor

3) Do NOT apply any skin medication or Glycolic Acid product during the Healing Period to avoid skin irritation

4) Avoid Sun Exposure. Overexposure to the Sun hastens Aging Process and can reverse the effects of the Peel.

Chemical Peels forces the growth of new tissue in which fibers are more plentiful and better organized. It is more effective for pigmentation problems and more glowing radiance. In my cases, it help with superficial blemishes but not acne deep beneath the skin.

Do take note to avoid direct sun – Use Umbrella please and MUST apply Sunblock everyday 30mins before you leave your home.